If there were any student revolutionaries around planning a ‘long march through the institutions’ of power they wouldn’t exactly need good shoes. Central pillars of society like the monarchy, church, army and police, let alone political parties, the BBC and even the sainted NHS all wobble from one crisis of authority to the next. Is this the result of these institutions failing to keep up with the times? Or a result of trying to keep up with the times? Will reform kill them or cure them? Is it better to consider creating new institutions? Who can even take a lead in this topsy-turvy world?

"The Battle of Ideas is free of that stifling British squeamishness about the serious discussion of ideas. It offers a rare chance to join the dots in contemporary politics and culture."Eliane Glaser, writer & broadcaster; author, Get Real